On Tuesday evening at a reception held at the Governor’s Mansion, Governor Terry McAuliffe proclaimed June 2015 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. The proclamation, presented to Equality Virginia, reads that the Commonwealth of Virginia celebrates its diverse LGBT community and is dedicated to fostering acceptance and preventing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

“We have a good friend in Governor McAuliffe,” said James Parrish, executive director of Equality Virginia. “As we focus on creating a Virginia where gay and transgender people can live, work, play, and do business without the fear of facing discrimination, we are grateful to have the Governor’s participation and outspoken support.”

Governor McAuliffe has spoken at a number of Equality Virginia events over the last few months, including the Virginia Fairness Reception where the organization honored Fortune 500 Companies based in Richmond that have policies in place to protect gay and transgender employees. He has been a long-time supporter of the freedom to marry, and his first executive order protects gay and transgender state employees from workplace discrimination.

“Making this Commonwealth more open and welcoming to all is an essential part of my effort to build a new Virginia economy. I am proud of the progress we have made together on ending workplace discrimination, embracing the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage and finally allowing same-sex couples to adopt. I look forward to continuing to work with my friends in the LGBT community to advocate for polices that make Virginia more open and equal to everyone,” said Governor McAuliffe.

This is the second year in a row that Governor McAuliffe has declared June LGBT Pride Month.

“Virginia is moving in the right direction, but even as we celebrate successes, there is a lot more work to do before the commonwealth is truly welcoming to gay and transgender individuals and families. As we continue to change hearts, minds, and laws, we are thankful to have the full support of Governor Terry McAuliffe,” said Parrish.

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